atomic

adjective

atom·​ic ə-ˈtä-mik How to pronounce atomic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms
atomic physics
b
: nuclear sense 2
atomic energy
2
a
: marked by acceptance of the theory of atomism
3
: minute
4
of a chemical element : existing in the state of separate atoms
atomically adverb

Examples of atomic in a Sentence

made atomic adjustments to the clock's mechanism to keep it from whirring as it ran
Recent Examples on the Web Opinions For five decades, atomic veterans were forbidden to tell anyone about their experiences, including with nuclear tests. David Leonhardt, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Support for nuclear power has only slowly recovered 13 years after a tsunami triggered the triple meltdown at Japan’s Fukushima Dai-Ichi atomic plant, which is still laden with tens of billions of dollars in clean-up costs. Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg.com, 8 Mar. 2024 But the flawed genius behind the breakthrough invention in atomic armament represents an ideal match of director and material, allowing Nolan to nerd out over detailed scientific theorization while masterfully building a slow-burn thriller. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 In crystals, the atoms are arranged in an atomic pattern that repeats itself indefinitely in three dimensions. David Bressan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Violence is the biggest issue: Expect lots of fighting, shooting (with futuristic guns), battling with knives/blades, slicing and slashing (very little blood shown), a few bloody wounds, many explosions, atomic warheads, head-bashing, neck-snapping, and more. Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Paul cleverly subverts this rule by using the atomic weapons to destroy the fortifications around Arrakeen, allowing easier passage for the sandworms. Christian Holub, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2024 Also Read Blink-182, SZA, Paramore Lead 2024 Lollapalooza South America Bills On the day of the atomic test, the nuclear blast brings down something over Trinity that wasn’t supposed to be there—something not of this world. Spin Staff, SPIN, 28 Feb. 2024 This is the seemingly stable regime discovered by BAA, the Princeton simulations, and atomic experiments. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atomic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomic was in 1678

Cite this Entry

“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

atomic

adjective
atom·​ic ə-ˈtäm-ik How to pronounce atomic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms, atomic bombs, or nuclear energy
atomic physics
the atomic age
atomic energy
2
: extremely small
3
: found in the state of separate atoms
atomic hydrogen

More from Merriam-Webster on atomic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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